CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0002] The disclosure relates to a stretching apparatus for performing various stretching
exercises.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] The joints of the human body have a normal range of motion. However, due to lack
of exercise, injury, or aging, the range of motion of a joint may decrease. When the
range of motion of a joint is reduced, the risk of joint injury may increase and motion
functions may decrease.
[0004] In order to prevent the range of motion of joints from decreasing, stretching or
stretching motions may be performed. Stretching motions are exercises that stretch
the muscles, joints, or ligaments of the body. Through the stretching motions, the
range of motion of the joints may be increased or the flexibility of the body may
be maintained or increased.
[0005] A stretching apparatus may be used for assisting during such stretching motions.
However, it is known that the human body has more than 300 joints. There are many
stretching motions to increase the range of motion of the human body's joints, and
also there are many stretching apparatuses for stretching motions.
[0006] However, when a plurality of stretching apparatuses are individually provided for
each of the various stretching motions, space utilization may be reduced.
SUMMARY
[0007] Provided is a stretching apparatus having a compact size, thereby increasing utilization
of exercise spaces in sports centers or gyms.
[0008] Provided is a stretching apparatus which enables various stretching motions with
a single device, thereby increasing the space utilization of exercise spaces in sports
centers or gyms.
[0009] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and,
in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
presented embodiments of the disclosure.
[0010] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a stretching apparatus includes a body
frame, a first stretching member configured to move in a forward and backward direction
with respect to the body frame and support a part of a user's body, and a sliding
structure configured to slidably move the first stretching member in the forward and
backward direction with respect to the body frame.
[0011] The body frame may include a plurality of support frames and a plurality of horizontal
frames having both end portions supported by the plurality of support frames.
[0012] The sliding structure may include a guide rail fixed inside each of the plurality
of horizontal frames and a plurality of guide wheels fixed to both end portions of
the first stretching member and configured to move along the guide rail inside each
of the plurality of horizontal frames.
[0013] The first stretching member may include a first movement body supporting a part of
the user's body and a wheel support member fixed to both end portions of the first
movement body and supporting the plurality of guide wheels.
[0014] Each of the plurality of horizontal frames may provide an internal space for accommodating
the guide rail and the plurality of guide wheels and may include a guide hole through
which the wheel support member passes and which extends in the forward and backward
direction to allow the wheel support member to move in the forward and backward direction.
[0015] Each of the plurality of horizontal frames may have an insertion hole configured
to allow the guide wheel to be inserted into the internal space, and the guide hole
may extend from the insertion hole in the forward and backward direction.
[0016] The first stretching member may include a 1st-1 stretching member configured to slidably
move on the body frame in the forward and backward direction, and a 1st-2 stretching
member arranged over the 1 st-1 stretching member to be separated from the 1 st-1
stretching member and configured to slidably move in the forward and backward direction.
[0017] The stretching apparatus may further include a second stretching member configured
to rotate about a preset rotation axis in the body frame to adjust an angle thereof
with respect to the body frame, wherein the first stretching member may be provided
on the body frame such that a movement path of the first stretching member in the
forward and backward direction does not interfere with an angle adjustment path of
the second stretching member.
[0018] A rail support supporting one end portion of the guide rail may be provided inside
each of the plurality of horizontal frames, and the rail support may be provided at
rear of a rotation axis of the second stretching member.
[0019] The stretching apparatus may further include a rotation angle adjuster configured
to rotate the second stretching member about a preset rotation axis with respect to
the body frame.
[0020] The rotation angle adjuster may include an angle adjustment rod arranged below the
second stretching member, and a rotation support fixed to the body frame, supporting
the second stretching member to rotate about the rotation axis, and having a plurality
of angle adjustment grooves into one of which the angle adjustment rod is inserted.
[0021] The body frame may further include a plurality of connection frames connecting the
plurality of horizontal frames to each other in a left and right direction, and one
connection frame adjacent to the second stretching member among the plurality of connection
frames may be arranged on a same axis as the rotation axis of the second stretching
member.
[0022] The connection frame adjacent to the second stretching member may be arranged below
the second stretching member.
[0023] The rotation support may include a plurality of protruding regions that protrude
to define the plurality of angle adjustment grooves, and the plurality of protruding
regions may be arranged to be separated from each other in a vertical direction and
include a plurality of first protruding regions having a first protrusion height and
a plurality of second protruding regions having a second protrusion height.
[0024] The plurality of first protruding regions may be arranged at both end portions of
the rotation support in the vertical direction and have the first protrusion height
that is greater than the second protrusion height, and the plurality of second protruding
regions may be arranged between the plurality of first protruding regions in the rotation
support.
[0025] The rotation angle adjuster may include a rotation shaft, and an angle adjustment
handle connecting the rotation shaft to the angle adjustment rod and configured to
rotate the angle adjustment rod about the rotation shaft.
[0026] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a stretching apparatus includes a
body frame, a stretching member configured to adjust an angle thereof with respect
to the body frame and to support a part of a user's body, and a rotation angle adjuster
configured to rotate the stretching member about a preset rotation axis with respect
to the body frame.
[0027] The body frame may include a plurality of support frames and a plurality of horizontal
frames having both end portions supported by the plurality of support frames.
[0028] The rotation angle adjuster may include an angle adjustment rod arranged below the
stretching member, and a rotation support fixed to the body frame, supporting the
stretching member to rotate about the rotation axis, and having a plurality of angle
adjustment grooves into one of which the angle adjustment rod is inserted.
[0029] The body frame may further include a plurality of connection frames connecting the
plurality of horizontal frames to each other in a left and right direction, and one
connection frame adjacent to the stretching member among the plurality of connection
frames may be arranged on a same axis as the rotation axis of the stretching member.
[0030] The connection frame adjacent to the stretching member may be arranged below the
stretching member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the
disclosure will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a stretching apparatus according
to an embodiment;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the stretching apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the stretching apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 4A to 4C are views illustrating a stretching apparatus according to another
embodiment;
FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a first stretching member and a peripheral
part thereof in a stretching apparatus according to an embodiment;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a part of the stretching apparatus of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of another part of the stretching apparatus of FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a stretching apparatus according to an embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a process of assembling a 1st-1 stretching member to
a first horizontal frame for moving in the stretching apparatus of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a process of assembling a 1st-2 stretching member to
a second horizontal frame for moving in the stretching apparatus of FIG. 8;
FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a second stretching member of a stretching
apparatus according to an embodiment;
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second stretching member of a stretching
apparatus according to an embodiment;
FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a second stretching member in a stretching
apparatus according to the embodiment;
FIG. 14 is a view illustrating an operation of the second stretching member in the
stretching apparatus of FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a view illustrating an operation of the second stretching member in the
stretching apparatus of FIG. 13;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a part of a stretching apparatus to describe
a third stretching member of the stretching apparatus according to an embodiment;
FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 16 to describe an operating structure
of the third stretching member of FIG. 16;
FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a part of the third stretching member of FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 is a rear view illustrating a third stretching member of a stretching apparatus
according to an embodiment;
FIG. 20 is a left view of a height support for adjusting a height of a third stretching
member of a stretching apparatus according to the embodiment;
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional horizontal perspective view of a stretching apparatus
according to an embodiment;
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional horizontal perspective view of a stretching apparatus
according to an embodiment;
FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a stretching motion using a 1st-1 stretching member
of a stretching apparatus according to an embodiment;
FIG. 24 is a view illustrating a stretching motion using a 1st-2 stretching member
of a stretching apparatus according to an embodiment;
FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a stretching motion using a second stretching member
of a stretching apparatus according to an embodiment;
FIG. 26 is a view illustrating a stretching motion using a third stretching member
of a stretching apparatus according to an embodiment; and
FIG. 27 is a view illustrating a smart gym environment including a plurality of pieces
of smart exercise equipment, according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated
in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements
throughout. In this regard, the present embodiments may have different forms and should
not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly,
the embodiments are merely described below, by referring to the figures, to explain
aspects of the present description. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any
and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such
as "at least one of," when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of
elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.
[0033] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with
reference to the attached drawings such that those skilled in the art in which the
disclosure belongs easily practice the disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a stretching apparatus 1
according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the stretching
apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the stretching apparatus
1 of FIG. 1.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, the stretching apparatus 1 according to an embodiment may include
a body frame 10 and at least one stretching member installed on the body frame 10.
For example, the stretching apparatus 1 may include a plurality of stretching members.
[0036] The plurality of stretching members may include a first stretching member 20, a second
stretching member 30, and a third stretching member 40, which have different operating
characteristics.
[0037] The first stretching member 20 may be provided in the body frame 10 to slide in a
forward and backward direction X. The first stretching member 20 may be supported
on the body frame 10 to be movable in the forward and backward direction X.
[0038] The first stretching member 20 may move along a first movement path when moving in
the forward and backward direction X. The first movement path may be a straight path
extending in the forward and backward direction X. The first stretching member 20
moves in the forward and backward direction X and has a foremost position and a rearmost
position. The first stretching member 20 may be arranged on the body frame 10 to slide
between the foremost position and the rearmost position along the first movement path.
[0039] The first stretching member 20 may include a plurality of stretching members. For
example, the first stretching member 20 may include a 1st-1 stretching member 21 and
a 1st-2 stretching member 22, which are arranged in parallel to each other.
[0040] The 1st-1 stretching member 21 may be provided on the body frame 10 along the forward
and backward direction X to be slidable. The 1st-2 stretching member 22 may be above
the 1st-1 stretching member 21 to be separated from the 1st-1 stretching member 21
and to be slidable in the forward and backward direction X.
[0041] The second stretching member 30 may be provided in the body frame 10 to be angle-adjustable.
For example, the second stretching member 30 may be provided in the body frame 10
to be rotatable about a preset rotation axis 301.
[0042] The second stretching member 30 may have a second movement path when an angle is
adjusted. The second movement path may be a path through which a rear end of the second
stretching member 30 passes when the second stretching member 30 rotates about a rotation
axis 301.
[0043] The third stretching member 40 may be provided in the body frame 10 to be height-adjustable.
The third stretching member 40 may be provided in the body frame 10 to be position-adjustable
in a vertical direction Z.
[0044] The third stretching member 40 may have a third movement path through which the third
stretching member 40 moves to adjust the height of the third stretching member 40.
The third movement path may be the longest path through which the third stretching
member 40 may move in the vertical direction Z.
[0045] In the stretching apparatus 1 according to an embodiment, the first stretching member
20, the second stretching member 30, and the third stretching member 40 may be arranged
in the body frame 10 such that the respective movement paths do not interfere with
each other. As described above, a plurality of stretching members capable of performing
various stretching motions are arranged in one apparatus, and thus, the space efficiency
of exercise spaces in a sports centers or a gymnasium may be increased.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the stretching apparatus 1 according to the embodiment
may include the first stretching member 20, the second stretching member 30, and the
third stretching member 40 installed in the body frame 10 such that movement paths
of the first, second, and third stretching members 20, 30, and 40 do not interfere
with each other.
[0047] The first movement path through which the first stretching member 20 moves in the
forward and backward direction X may be separated from the second movement path when
an angle of the second stretching member 30 is adjusted. For example, the second stretching
member 30 may be at the same height as the first stretching member 20 and be on a
further front side than a foremost position of the first stretching member 20. For
example, the second stretching member 30 may be at the same height as the 1st-1 stretching
member 21 and be on a further front side than the 1st-1 stretching member 21.
[0048] The first movement path of the first stretching member 20 may be separated from the
third movement path of the third stretching member 40. For example, the third stretching
member 40 may overlap the first stretching member 20 in the vertical direction Z when
the first stretching member 20 is in a rearmost position and may be above the first
stretching member 20 to be separated from the first stretching member 20. For example,
the third stretching member 40 may overlap the 1st-2 stretching member 22 in the vertical
direction Z when the 1st-2 stretching member 22 is in a rearmost position and may
be above the 1st-2 stretching member 22 to be separated from the 1st-2 stretching
member 22.
[0049] The body frame 10 according to the embodiment includes a plurality of support frames
13 and a plurality of horizontal frames 11 supported by the plurality of support frames
13. The body frame 10 may have a structure in which the plurality of support frames
13 are separately assembled with the plurality of horizontal frames 11, but the disclosure
is not limited thereto, and the plurality of support frames 13 may be respectively
integrated with the plurality of support frames 13.
[0050] One end portion of each of the plurality of support frames 13 may be supported by
a bottom surface and may extend in the vertical direction Z. A cross-sectional shape
of each of the plurality of support frames 13 may be circular. However, the cross-sectional
shape of each of the plurality of support frames 13 is not limited thereto and may
be polygonal or oval.
[0051] The plurality of support frames 13 may include a pair of first support frames 131
and a pair of second support frames 132 separated from the pair of first support frames
131 at the rear of the pair of first support frames 131.
[0052] The pair of first support frames 131 may be parallel to each other on a front side
of the stretching apparatus 1. Each of the pair of first support frames 131 may have
a first height.
[0053] The pair of second support frames 132 may be parallel to each other on a rear side
of the stretching apparatus 1. Each of the pair of second support frames 132 may have
a second height. The second height may be greater than the first height. For example,
the second height may be 1.5 times or more than the first height. For example, the
second height may be two to three times the first height. The pair of second support
frames 132 may include a first handle 1321 extending in the vertical direction Z.
[0054] The plurality of horizontal frames 11 may include a pair of first horizontal frames
111 and a pair of second horizontal frames 112. The pair of first horizontal frames
111 may be parallel to each other in the forward and backward direction X, and the
pair of second horizontal frames 112 may be parallel to each other in the forward
and backward direction X. The plurality of horizontal frames 11 may include a second
handle 1131 extending in the forward and backward direction X.
[0055] The pair of first horizontal frames 111 may be parallel to the pair of second horizontal
frames 112 in the vertical direction Z. An extension length of each of the pair of
first horizontal frames 111 may be equal to an extension length of each of the pair
of second horizontal frames 112. The second horizontal frame 112 may be above the
first horizontal frame 111 to be separated from the first horizontal frame 111. A
decoration plate 114 may be between the first horizontal frame 111 and the second
horizontal frame 112. A material of the decoration plate 114 may be wood but is not
limited thereto and may change. For example, the material of the decoration plate
114 may be plastic or metal.
[0056] The first horizontal frame 111 and the second horizontal frame 112 may be between
the first support frame 131 and the second support frame 132. One end portion of the
first horizontal frame 111 may be supported by the first support frame 131, and the
other end portion of the first horizontal frame 111 may be supported by the second
support frame 132. One end portion of the second horizontal frame 112 may be supported
by the first support frame 131, and the other end portion of the second horizontal
frame 112 may be supported by the second support frame 132.
[0057] Each of the first horizontal frame 111 and the second horizontal frame 112 may be
supported by the first support frame 131 and the second support frame 132. For example,
one end portion of the first horizontal frame 111 and one end portion of the second
horizontal frame 112 may be directly fixed to the first support frame 131. The other
end portion of the first horizontal frame 111 and the other end portion of the second
horizontal frame 112 may be fixed to the second support frame 132 by a support plate
1151. However, the structure, in which each of the first horizontal frame 111 and
the second horizontal frame 112 is supported by the first support frame 131 and the
second support frame 132, is not limited thereto and may change.
[0058] A horizontal interval between the plurality of horizontal frames 11 or between the
plurality of support frames 13 may be maintained by a connection frame 12. For example,
the connection frame 12 may include a first connection frame 121, a second connection
frame 122, and a third connection frame 123. The body frame 10 may have a structure
in which the plurality of horizontal frames 11, the plurality of support frames 13,
and the plurality of connection frames 12 are separately assembled with each other,
but the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the plurality of horizontal frames
11, the plurality of support frames 13, and the plurality of connection frames 12
may be respectively integrated with each other.
[0059] The first connection frame 121 may be between the pair of first horizontal frames
111. For example, the first connection frame 121 may be on a front side between the
pair of first horizontal frames 111.
[0060] The second connection frame 122 may be between the pair of second support frames
132. For example, the second connection frame 122 may be on a lower side between the
pair of second support frames 132. An elastic member 1221 may be between the second
connection frame 122 and the 1st-1 stretching member 21 such that the elastic member
1221 provides elastic force in a direction in which the 1st-1 stretching member 21
approaches the second connection frame 122.
[0061] The third connection frame 123 may be between the pair of second support frames 132.
For example, the third connection frame 123 may be on an upper side between the pair
of second support frames 132. A display panel 124 may be on the third connection frame
123.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, in the stretching apparatus 1 according to the embodiment,
the first stretching member 20 may be between the plurality of horizontal frames 11.
The first stretching member 20 may be between the plurality of horizontal frames 11
and may include first movement bodies 210 and 220 for supporting a part of a user's
body.
[0063] For example, the 1st-1 stretching member 21 may be between the pair of first horizontal
frames 111. The 1st-1 stretching member 21 may move in an extension direction of the
first horizontal frame 111. The 1st-1 stretching member 21 may move in the forward
and backward direction X. The 1st-1 stretching member 21 may include the first movement
body 210 that supports a part of a user's body and is movable in the forward and backward
direction X.
[0064] The 1st-2 stretching member 22 may be above the 1st-1 stretching member 21 to be
separated from the 1st-1 stretching member 21. When a user performs a stretching motion
by using the 1st-1 stretching member 21, the 1st-1 stretching member 21 and the 1st-2
stretching member 22 may have a preset gap therebetween in the vertical direction
Z such that the 1st-1 stretching member 21 does not collide with the 1st-2 stretching
member 22. For example, the interval in the vertical direction Z between the 1st-1
stretching member 21 and the 1st-2 stretching member 22 may be about 15 cm to about
45 cm.
[0065] The 1st-2 stretching member 22 may be between the pair of second horizontal frames
112. The 1st-2 stretching member 22 may move in an extension direction of the second
horizontal frame 112. The 1st-2 stretching member 22 may move in the forward and backward
direction X. A movable distance of the 1st-2 stretching member 22 is longer than a
movable distance of the 1st-1 stretching member 21.
[0066] The 1st-2 stretching member 22 may include the first movement body 220 that supports
a part of a user's body and is movable in the forward and backward direction X. The
1st-2 stretching member 22 may include a pair of pads 231. The pair of pads 231 may
be separated from each other in a horizontal direction on the 1st-2 stretching member
22. The pair of pads 231 may be separated from each other in the left and right directions
on an upper portion of the first movement body 220.
[0067] The 1st-2 stretching member 22 may further include a foot support 232 provided to
support a user's foot. A user may slidingly move the 1st-2 stretching member 22 in
the forward and backward direction X while supporting a foot on the foot support 232.
[0068] The 1st-1 stretching member 21 and the 1st-2 stretching member 22 may be supported
on the body frame 10 to be slidable in the forward and backward direction X. For example,
the 1st-1 stretching member 21 may be supported by the pair of first horizontal frames
111 to be movable in the forward and backward direction X. For example, the 1st-2
stretching member 22 may be supported by the pair of second horizontal frames 112
to be movable in the forward and backward direction X.
[0069] Although the embodiment described above describes an example in which the stretching
apparatus 1 includes the first stretching member 20, the second stretching member
30, and the third stretching member 40, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For
example, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the stretching apparatus 1 may include the first
stretching member 20 and may not include the second stretching member 30 and the third
stretching member 40. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the stretching apparatus
1 may include the first stretching member 20 and the second stretching member 30 and
may not include the third stretching member 40. For example, as illustrated in FIG.
4C, the stretching apparatus 1 may include the second stretching member 30 and may
not include the first stretching member 20 and the third stretching member 40.
[0070] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the first stretching member 20 in the stretching
apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a part of the
stretching apparatus 1 of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of another part of
the stretching apparatus 1 of FIG. 5.
[0071] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the stretching apparatus 1 according to the embodiment
may include the body frame 10, the first stretching member 20 that is movable in the
forward and backward direction X with respect to the body frame 10, and a sliding
structure 50 that may slide in the forward and backward direction with respect to
the body frame 10.
[0072] The first stretching member 20 may include first movement bodies 210 and 220 and
wheel support members 212 and 222 respectively fixed to both end portions of the first
movement bodies 210 and 220 (see FIGS. 9 and 10).
[0073] The sliding structure 50 may include guide rails installed to be fixed inside the
horizontal frame and guide wheels fixed to both end portions of the first stretching
member 20. The guide wheels may move along the guide rails within the horizontal frame.
The guide wheels may be supported by the wheel support members 212 and 222 of the
first stretching member 20.
[0074] For example, the first guide rail 1111 may be on the first horizontal frame 111 to
guide the movement of the 1st-1 stretching member 21 in the forward and backward direction
X. The first guide rail 1111 may extend in the forward and backward direction X. The
first guide rail 1111 may be fixed inside the first horizontal frame 111. For example,
one end portion of the first guide rail 1111 may be supported by the second support
frame 132, and the other end portion of the first guide rail 1111 may be supported
by a first stopper 1112 provided on the first horizontal frame 111.
[0075] Both end portions of the 1st-1 stretching member 21 in the horizontal direction may
include a first guide wheels 211 provided to move along the first guide rail 1111.
The first guide wheel 211 may be supported by the wheel support member 212 of the
1st-1 stretching member 21.
[0076] The first guide wheel 211 of the first stretching member 20 may be inside the first
horizontal frame 111 and may move along the first guide rail 1111 in the forward and
backward direction X. A front movement distance of the 1st-1 stretching member 21
may be limited by the first stopper 1112. Accordingly, a movement distance of the
1st-1 stretching member 21 in the forward and backward direction X may be less than
a length of the first horizontal frame 111.
[0077] The horizontal frame may provide an internal space for accommodating the guide rails
and the guide wheels. For example, the first horizontal frame 111 may provide an internal
space for accommodating the first guide rail 1111 and the first guide wheel 211. For
example, the second horizontal frame 112 may provide an internal space for accommodating
the second guide rail 1121 and the second guide wheel 221.
[0078] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the stretching apparatus 1 according to an
embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a process of assembling the 1st-1 stretching
member 21 with the first horizontal frame 111 such that the 1st-1 stretching member
21 is movable, in the stretching apparatus 1 of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating
a process of assembling the 1st-2 stretching member 22 with the second horizontal
frame 112 such that the 1st-2 stretching member 22 is movable, in the stretching apparatus
1 of FIG. 8.
[0079] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a horizontal frame of the stretching apparatus 1 according
to the embodiment may include a configuration for inserting a guide rail and a guide
wheel. For example, an opening for inserting a guide rail may be provided in at least
one of both end portions of the horizontal frame in the forward and backward direction
X. The horizontal frame may include a guide hole extending in the forward and backward
direction through which a wheel support member may move in the forward and backward
direction. The horizontal frame may have an insertion hole that is greater than a
diameter and thickness of the guide wheel such that the guide wheel may be inserted
into an internal space. A length of the insertion hole in the forward and backward
direction is greater than a diameter of the guide wheel, and a width of the insertion
hole in the left and right direction is greater than a thickness of the guide wheel
in a left and right direction. A guide hole may extend in the forward and backward
direction from the insertion hole.
[0080] For example, the first horizontal frame 111 may have a structure into which the first
guide rail 1111 and the first guide wheel 211 are inserted. For example, a first opening
1114 through which the first guide rail 1111 is inserted may be formed in at least
one of both end portions of the first horizontal frame 111 in the forward and backward
direction X. A lower portion of the first horizontal frame 111 may include a first
guide hole 1115 through which a first wheel support member 212 supporting the first
guide wheel 211 passes and a first insertion hole 1116 which is formed at one end
portion of the first guide hole 1115 and through which the first guide wheel 211 is
insertable into the first horizontal frame 111. A length of the first insertion hole
1116 in the forward and backward direction X is greater than a diameter of the first
guide wheel 211, and a width of the first insertion hole 1116 in the left and right
direction Y is greater than a thickness of the first guide wheel 211 in the left and
right direction Y. The first guide hole 1115 may extend from the first insertion hole
1116 in the forward and backward direction X. Referring to FIG. 9, in a manufacturing
process of the stretching apparatus 1, the first guide wheel 211 is inserted into
the first horizontal frame 111 through the first insertion hole 1116 of the first
horizontal frame 111. Next, the first guide rail 1111 is inserted into the first horizontal
frame 111 through the first opening 1114 of the first horizontal frame 111. Inside
the first horizontal frame 111, a position of the 1st-1 stretching member 21 is adjusted
such that the first guide wheel 211 is safely placed on the first guide rail 1111.
One end portion of the first guide rail 1111 inserted into the first horizontal frame
111 may be supported by a first stopper 1112. A position of the first guide wheel
211 safely placed on the first guide rail 1111 may be maintained in the vertical direction
Z by gravity and move in the forward and backward direction X along the first guide
rail 1111.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 10, the second horizontal frame 112 may have a structure into which
the second guide rail 1121 and a second guide wheel 221 are inserted. For example,
at least one of both end portions of the second horizontal frame 112 in the forward
and backward direction X may have a second opening 1124 through which the second guide
rail 1121 is inserted. An end portion of the second guide rail 1121 inserted through
the second opening 1124 may be fixed by the second stopper 1122.
[0082] A lower portion of the second horizontal frame 112 may include a second guide hole
1125 through which the second wheel support member 222 supporting the second guide
wheel 221 passes and a second insertion hole 1126 which is formed at one end portion
of the second guide hole 1125 and through which the second guide wheel 221 is insertable
into the second horizontal frame 112. A length of the second insertion hole 1126 in
the forward and backward direction X is greater than a diameter of the second guide
wheel 221, and a width of the second insertion hole 1126 in the left and right direction
Y is greater than a thickness of the second guide wheel 221 in the left and right
direction Y. The second guide hole 1125 may extend from the second insertion hole
1126 in the forward and backward direction X.
[0083] Similarly to the process of inserting the first guide wheel 211 into the first horizontal
frame 111, the second guide wheel may be inserted into the second horizontal frame
112.
[0084] Referring again to FIG. 8, the guide rail inserted into the horizontal frame may
be fixed to the horizontal frame by a fixing member. For example, the first guide
rail 1111 may be fixed to the first horizontal frame 111 by a fixing member 1113.
The first guide rail 1111 may be prevented from moving in the forward and backward
direction X in the first horizontal frame 111 by the fixing member 1113. However,
the fixing member 1113 is an optional component and may be omitted as needed. For
example, both end portions of the first guide rail 1111 may be supported by the second
support frame 132 and the first stopper 1112 and may also be fixed inside the first
horizontal frame 111 without the fixing member 1113.
[0085] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the second stretching member 30 of the
stretching apparatus 1 according to the embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional
view illustrating the second stretching member 30 of the stretching apparatus 1 according
to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the second stretching
member 30 of the stretching apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a
view illustrating an operation of the second stretching member 30 in the stretching
apparatus 1 of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a view illustrating an operation of the second
stretching member 30 in the stretching apparatus 1 of FIG. 13.
[0086] Referring to FIGS. 1, 11, and 12, the stretching apparatus 1 according to the embodiment
may include the second stretching member 30 and a rotation angle adjuster 60 provided
to cause the second stretching member 30 to rotate about a preset rotation axis with
respect to the body frame 10.
[0087] The second stretching member 30 may support a part of a user's body. For example,
the second stretching member 30 may include a support plate 321 for a user to place
the sole of the user's foot thereon.
[0088] The second stretching member 30 may be arranged between the plurality of horizontal
frames 11. The second stretching member 30 may be between the pair of first horizontal
frames 111. The second stretching member 30 may be on a front side between the pair
of first horizontal frames 111.
[0089] The second stretching member 30 may be configured to adjust its angle with respect
to the body frame 10. The second stretching member 30 may be supported on the first
horizontal frame 111 to be rotatable about a preset rotation axis 301.
[0090] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, the rotation angle adjuster 60 may include an angle
adjustment rod 322 arranged below the second stretching member 30 and a rotation support
portion 31 that is fixed on the body frame 10 and supports the second stretching member
30 to rotate about the rotation axis 301.
[0091] For example, the angle adjustment rod 322 may be below the second stretching member
30. For example, the angle adjustment rod 322 may be below the support plate 321.
[0092] The rotation angle adjuster 60 may include a rotation shaft 324 and an angle adjustment
handle 323 that connects the rotation shaft 324 to the angle adjustment rod 322.
[0093] The rotation shaft 324 may be below the second stretching member 30. Both end portions
of the rotation shaft 324 may be supported by the support plate 321. The rotation
shaft 324 may be separated from the rotation shaft 301.
[0094] The angle adjustment handle 323 may be provided such that the angle adjustment rod
322 rotates about the rotation shaft 324. The angle adjustment handle 323 may connect
a central portion of the angle adjustment rod 322 to a central portion of the rotation
shaft 324.
[0095] The rotation support 31 may be fixed to the body frame 10 by the fixing member 3111.
For example, the rotation support 31 may be fixed to the first horizontal frame 111.
For example, the rotation support 31 may be fixed to the first horizontal frame 111
by the fixing member 3111.
[0096] The rotation support 31 may include a plurality of angle adjustment grooves 311 into
which the angle adjustment rod 322 may be inserted. When the angle adjustment rod
322 is inserted into any one of the plurality of angle adjustment grooves 311, an
angle or posture of the second stretching member 30 may be determined.
[0097] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, when the angle adjustment handle 323 is pulled by an
external force applied by a user or so on, the angle adjustment rod 322 connected
to the angle adjustment handle 323 rotates around the rotation shaft 324 to be separated
from and the angle adjustment groove 311 of the rotation support 31. In a state where
the angle adjustment rod 322 is separated from the angle adjustment groove 311, the
second stretching member 30 may be rotated about a rotation axis. Thereafter, when
the angle adjustment rod 322 is inserted into another angle adjustment groove 311
by releasing the external force applied to the angle adjustment handle 323, the second
stretching member 30 may have a different angle with respect to the body frame 10.
[0098] The second stretching member 30 may further include a pressing member 325 that presses
the angle adjustment rod 322 to rotate in a preset rotation direction about the rotation
shaft 324. The pressing member 325 may be an elastic body that provides elastic force.
For example, the elastic body may include a springs or a rubber member but is not
limited thereto. One end portion of the pressing member 325 may be supported by the
angle adjustment rod 322, and the other end portion of the pressing member 325 may
be supported by the first connection frame 121. By the pressing member 325, the angle
adjustment rod 322 may maintain a state in which the angle adjustment rod 322 is inserted
into the angle adjustment groove 311.
[0099] The rotation support 31 may include a rotation stopper 312 that limits a movement
range of the angle adjustment rod 322 such that the angle adjustment rod 322 separated
from the angle adjustment groove 311 is not separated from the rotation support 31.
For example, the rotation stoppers 312 protruding rearward may be provided in both
end portions of the rotation support 31 in the vertical direction Z. Here, protruding
toward the rear may be interpreted as protruding in a direction away from the rotation
axis 301.
[0100] For example, the rotation support 31 may include a plurality of protruding regions
315 provided to define the plurality of angle adjustment grooves 311. The plurality
of protruding regions 315 may each have a shape protruding toward the rear. The plurality
of angle adjustment grooves 311 may be defined by adjacent protruding regions 315.
In other words, the angle adjustment groove 311 may be between adjacent protruding
regions 315.
[0101] The plurality of protruding regions 315 may be approximately separated from each
other in a vertical direction. The plurality of protruding regions 315 may include
a plurality of first protruding regions 3151 and a plurality of second protruding
regions 3152 respectively having protrusion heights h1 and h2.
[0102] The plurality of first protruding regions 3151 may be at both end portions of the
rotation support 31 in the vertical direction. The plurality of second protruding
regions 3152 may be between the plurality of first protruding regions 3151 in the
rotation support 31.
[0103] The first protruding region 3151 may function as the rotation stopper 312. The protrusion
height h1 of the first protrusion region 3151 may be greater than the protrusion height
h2 of the second protruding region 3152. The protrusion height h1 of the first protruding
region 3151 may be greater than a movable distance R1 of the angle adjustment rod
322. The protrusion height h2 of the second protruding region may be less than the
movable distance R1 of the angle adjustment rod 322. The movable distance R1 of the
angle adjustment rod 322 may be determined based on a rotation radius of the angle
adjustment rod 322 and an elastic force of the pressing member 325.
[0104] As described above, as the rotation support 31 has the plurality of protruding regions
315, the angle adjustment rod 322 is movable to be selectively inserted into one of
the plurality of angle adjustment grooves 311, and the angle adjustment rod 322 may
be prevented from separating from the rotation support 31.
[0105] The first connection frame 121 for maintaining an interval between the pair of first
horizontal frames 111 may be arranged on the same axis as the rotation axis 301 of
the second stretching member 30. By arranging the first connection frame 121 on the
same axis as the rotation axis 301 of the second stretching member 30, a size of the
stretching apparatus 1 may be reduced, and interference with a user's stretching motion
may be prevented.
[0106] When the first connection frame 121 is placed at the rear of the second stretching
member 30, interference with the movement of the 1st-1 stretching member 21 in the
forward and backward direction X may occur, and in order to avoid this, a length of
the stretching apparatus 1 may be increased in the forward and backward direction
X. When the first connection frame 121 is in front of the second stretching member
30, for example, between the pair of first support frames 131, the first connection
frame 121 may interfere with an operation using the second stretching member 30 or
may interfere with an operation using the 1st-2 stretching member 22. When the first
connection frame 121 is below the second stretching member 30 and is not on the same
axis as the rotation axis 301 of the second stretching member 30, the first connection
frame 121 may interfere with the rotation of the second stretching member 30. In addition,
in the stretching apparatus 1 according to the embodiment, the first connection frame
121 is on the same axis as the rotation axis 301 of the second stretching member 30,
and accordingly, a length of the stretching apparatus 1 in the forward and backward
direction X may be reduced, and a user's stretching motion is not interfered.
[0107] The second stretching member 30 may be at the same height as the first stretching
member 21. That is, the second stretching member 30 may partially overlap the 1st-1
stretching member 21 in the forward and backward direction X. Here, being arranged
at the same height may mean that at least a part of the second stretching member 30
is arranged to overlap the 1st-1 stretching member 21 in the forward and backward
direction.
[0108] For example, the 1st-1 stretching member 21 may be installed on the first horizontal
frame 111 to be movable in the forward and backward direction X, and the second stretching
member 30 may be installed on the first horizontal frame 111 to be rotatable. The
first horizontal frame 111 may include a first stopper 1112 that limits a movement
distance of the 1st-1 stretching member 21. The first stopper 1112 may prevent the
1st-1 stretching member 21 from coming into contact with the second stretching member
30.
[0109] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a part of the stretching apparatus 1 to
describe the third stretching member 40 of the stretching apparatus 1 according to
the embodiment, and FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. 16 to describe an
operating structure of the third stretching member 40 of FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is an enlarged
view of a part of the third stretching member 40 of FIG. 17.
[0110] Referring to FIGS. 16 to 19, the third stretching member 40 according to the embodiment
may be provided in the body frame 10 to be height-adjustable in the vertical direction
Z. For example, the third stretching member 40 may be installed on the second support
frame 132 such that a height of the third stretching member 40 may be adjusted in
the vertical direction Z. The third stretching member 40 may include a third handle
4011 extending in the horizontal direction.
[0111] The third stretching member 40 may be between the pair of second support frames 132.
The second support frame 132 may be provided with a height support 41 for supporting
the third stretching member 40 at a plurality of heights.
[0112] The height support 41 may include a height guide slit 411 extending in the vertical
direction Z and a plurality of height adjustment grooves 412 arranged in the vertical
direction Z.
at least one height adjustment bearing 42 that is inserted into the height guide slit
411 of the height support 41, and a height adjustment protrusion 43 that is separated
from the height adjustment bearing 42 and is insertable into one of the plurality
of height adjustment grooves 412 may be respectively formed at both end portions of
the third stretching member 40.
[0113] The at least one height adjustment bearing 42 may be plural. For example, the height
guide bearing 42 may include a first bearing 421 and a second bearing 422 which are
inserted into the height guide slit 411.
[0114] The first bearing 421 is above the second bearing 422, and a diameter of the first
bearing 421 may be greater than a diameter of the second bearing 422. The diameter
of the first bearing 421 may be less than a width of the height guide slit 411.
[0115] The diameter of the second bearing 422 may be less than the diameter of the first
bearing 421. The diameter of the second bearing 422 may be less than the width of
the height guide slit 411. A difference between the diameter of the second bearing
422 and the width of the height guide slit 411 may be greater than a difference between
the diameter of the first bearing 421 and the width of the height guide slit 411.
Accordingly, the second bearing 422 may rotate about the first bearing 421.
[0116] Positions of the first bearing 421, the second bearing 422, and the height adjustment
protrusion 43 are fixed to both end portions of the third stretching member 40. Accordingly,
as the second bearing 422 rotates about the first bearing 421, the height adjustment
protrusion 43 may also rotate about the first bearing 421. Due to the rotation of
the height adjustment protrusion 43, the height adjustment protrusion 43 may be separated
from the height adjustment groove 412 and may be inserted into another height adjustment
groove 412. In this way, a height of the third stretching member 40 may be adjusted
by selectively inserting the height adjustment protrusion 43 into the plurality of
height adjustment grooves 412.
[0117] A seat pad 44 may be provided on the third stretching member 40. The seat pad 44
may have a shape in which a front portion is curved. Accordingly, an upper portion
of the seat pad 44 may support a part of a user's lower body, or a front portion of
the seat pad 44 may support the user's back or waist.
[0118] FIG. 19 is a rear view illustrating the third stretching member 40 of the stretching
apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 20 is a left view of the height support
41 for adjusting a height of the third stretching member 40 of the stretching apparatus
1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional horizontal perspective
view of the stretching apparatus 1 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional
horizontal perspective view of the stretching apparatus 1 according to an embodiment.
[0119] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the stretching apparatus 1 according to the embodiment
may further include a separation prevention member 45 configured to prevent the third
stretching member 40 from being separated from the height support 41 in a process
of adjusting a height of the third stretching member 40.
[0120] The separation prevention member 45 may be inside the height adjustment bearing 42
and may have a width greater than a width of the height guide slit 411. Accordingly,
the separation prevention member 45 may prevent the height adjustment bearing 42 from
being separated from the height guide slit 411.
[0121] The separation prevention member 45 may include a first flange 451 inside the first
bearing 421 and a second flange 452 inside the second bearing 422. The first flange
451 may have a diameter greater than a diameter of the first bearing 421. A difference
in diameter between the first flange 451 and the first bearing 421 may be 20 % or
less of a diameter of the first bearing 421. The second flange 452 may have a diameter
greater than a diameter of the second bearing 422. A difference in diameter between
the second flange 452 and the second bearing 422 may be 100% or more and 400% or less
of the diameter of the second bearing 422. The diameter of the second flange 452 may
be greater than the diameter of the first flange 451.
[0122] At least one of the height support 41 and the separation prevention member 45 may
have an anti-jamming slope configured to prevent the separation prevention member
45 from being caught in the height support 41 during a vertical movement of the third
stretching member 40.
[0123] For example, referring to FIG. 21, a first inclined surface 461 may be provided in
a portion of the height support 41 facing the first flange 451. The first inclined
surface 461 may be between the first inner surface 4131 of the height support 41 and
a first guide surface 4111 defining the height guide slit 411. The first inclined
surface 461 may have an inclination with respect to the first inner surface 4131.
In this way, even when a part of the first flange 451 comes into contact with a second
inner surface 4132 of the height support 41, another part of the first flange 451
may not come into contact with the first inner surface 4131 of the height support
41 due to the first inclined surface 461.
[0124] For example, referring to FIG. 22, a second inclined surface 462 may be provided
on a portion of the second flange 452 facing the height support 41. Due to the second
inclined surface 462, a distance from the height support 41 increases as a distance
from the center of the second flange 452 increases. Accordingly, when the second bearing
422 comes into contact with or approaches a second guide surface 4112 defining the
height guide slit 411, the second inclined surface 462 of the second flange 452 may
not come into contact with the first inner surface 4131 of the height support 41 even
when the second inclined surface 462 comes into contact with the second inner surface
4132 of the height support part 41.
[0125] Hereinafter, a stretching motion using the stretching apparatus 1 described above
is described.
[0126] FIG. 23 is a view illustrating a stretching motion using a 1st-1 stretching member
of the stretching apparatus 1 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 24 is a view illustrating
a stretching motion using a 1st-2 stretching member of the stretching apparatus 1
according to an embodiment. FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a stretching motion using
a second stretching member of the stretching apparatus 1 according to an embodiment,
and FIG. 26 is a view illustrating a stretching motion using a third stretching member
of the stretching apparatus 1 according to an embodiment.
[0127] Referring to FIG. 23, a user may place his or her foot on an upper portion of the
1st-1 stretching member 21 of the stretching apparatus 1 and perform adductor muscle
stretching. However, the motion using the 1st-1 stretching member 21 is not limited
thereto and may change. For example, a user may perform hamstring stretching while
supporting the heel of the foot on the upper portion of the 1st-1 stretching member
21, perform adductor muscle stretching while supporting at least a part of the sole
of the foot on the upper portion of the 1-1 stretching member 21, or perform iliopsoas
muscle stretching while supporting the forefoot on the upper portion of the 1st-1
stretching member 21. That is, the user may place his or her feet on the upper portion
of the 1st-1 stretching member 21 of the stretching apparatus 1 and perform one of
the hamstring stretching motion, the adductor muscle stretching motion, and the iliopsoas
muscle stretching motion. In addition to the stretching motions, other motions may
also be made by using the 1st-1 stretching member 21. For example, a user may make
a lunge motion by using the 1st-1 stretching member 21.
[0128] Referring to FIG. 24, a user may place his or her feet or knees on an upper portion
of the 1st-2 stretching member 22 and make one of iliopsoas muscle stretching, hamstring
stretching, and hip stretching. For example, a user may perform hamstring stretching
while supporting the feet on the foot support 232 of the 1st-2 stretching member 22,
perform iliopsoas muscle stretching while supporting the shin on one of the pair of
pads 231, or perform hip stretching while supporting a lower body by bending the knees
on the pair of pads 231.
[0129] Referring to FIG. 25, a user may place both feet or one foot on the second stretching
member 30 and perform calf or pullback stretching. For example, a user bends down
while supporting both feet on the inclined second stretching member 30 to perform
latissimus dorsi muscle stretching, shoulder stretching, or hamstring or calf stretching,
or places both feet or perform calf stretching while supporting both feet or one foot
on the inclined second stretching member 30.
[0130] Referring to FIG. 26, a user may perform various types of stretching while supporting
part of a lower body or part of an upper body on the third stretching member 40. For
example, the user may perform hip stretching while bending and supporting the knees
on an upper portion of the seat pad 44 of the third stretching member 40, or perform
thoracic spine extension stretching or lumbar extension stretching by leaning the
body rearwards while leaning the back or waist on the front portion of the seat pad
44.
[0131] FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a smart gym environment including a plurality of
pieces of smart exercise equipment according to an embodiment.
[0132] Referring to FIG. 27, a plurality of pieces of smart exercise equipment 1A, 1B, 1C,
and 1N are connected to a smart gym server 330 through a network. A manager, such
as a trainer or a smart gym manager, may access the smart gym server 330 through a
manager terminal 340.
[0133] Users USER A, USER B, USER C, USER N who come to exercise at a smart gym verifies
his or her identity by using a terminal, such as a wearable device or smartphone,
and then enters the smart gym. For example, a user may enter after member verification
by tagging the terminal to an unmanned terminal, such as a kiosk, at a smart gym entrance
by using near field communication (NFC) or radio frequency identification (RFID).
Information on a user whose membership is confirmed may be transmitted from the smart
gym server 330 to at least one of the smart exercise equipment 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1N
through the network. At least one of the smart exercise equipment 1A, 1B, 1C, and
1N may be the stretching apparatus 1 according to the embodiment described above.
[0134] When a user approaches one of the smart exercise equipment 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1N and
tags a wearable device to one of the smart exercise equipment 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1N,
the corresponding smart exercise equipment may automatically set an exercise program
customized to a user's ability level and exercise performance history based on the
information received from the smart gym server 330.
[0135] The smart gym server 330 may store user information of the users USER A, USER B,
USER C, and USER N, device information of the smart exercise equipment 1A, 1B, 1C,
and 1N, and information used for managing other facilities or smart devices.
[0136] When a manager, such as a trainer, registers a user-customized exercise program in
the manager terminal 340, the exercise process information stored in the smart gym
server 330 may be updated. The smart exercise equipment 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1N may receive
exercise process information from the smart gym server 330 connected through a network.
[0137] In addition, although the embodiment described above provides a stretching apparatus
as one of exercise equipment of the smart exercise equipment 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1N, the
disclosure is not limited thereto, and any exercise equipment for exercise may be
applied in various ways.
[0138] According to an embodiment, a stretching apparatus having a compact size and structure
may be provided to increase space utilization of an exercise space in a sports center
or a gym.
[0139] According to a preferred embodiment, a stretching apparatus, by which various types
of stretching may be performed with a single device, may be provided to increase space
utilization of an exercise space in a sports center or a gym.
[0140] Embodiments according to the disclosure may be implemented in the form of a computer
program that may be executed through various components of a computer, and such a
computer program may be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium.
[0141] The exercise posture analysis device described above may be implemented in the form
of a computer-readable storage medium including at least one program that stores instructions
executable by a processor. The computer is a device capable of calling stored instructions
from a storage medium and performing operations according to the disclosed embodiments
in response to the called instructions, and may include an exercise posture analysis
device according to the disclosed embodiments. Computer-readable storage media may
include magnetic media such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, and a magnetic tape, optical
recording media, such as compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM) and a digital video
disk (DVD), magneto-optical media, such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specifically
configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, random access memory
(RAM), and flash memory. Furthermore, storage media may include intangible media implemented
in a form that may be transmitted through a network, and for example, the storage
media may also be a form of media implemented in the form of software or an application
that may be transmitted and distributed through a network.
[0142] In addition, a computer program may be specifically designed and configured for the
disclosure or may be known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software.
Examples of computer programs may include not only machine language codes that are
generated by a compiler but also high-level language code that may be executed by
a computer by using an interpreter or so on.
[0143] As described above, various embodiments are provided. Those skilled in the art in
which the disclosure belongs will understand that the disclosure may be implemented
in a modification form without departing from the essential characteristics of the
disclosure. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered from an illustrative
perspective rather than a restrictive perspective. The scope of the disclosure is
indicated in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences
within the equivalent scope should be construed as being included in the disclosure.
[0144] It should be understood that embodiments described herein should be considered in
a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features
or aspects within each embodiment should typically be considered as available for
other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. While one or more embodiments
have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those
of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made
therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by
the following claims.